Tunde Kelani Mourns Olu Jacobs, Hails Late Actor As Patriarch Of Nigerian Cinema

/by

Veteran filmmaker Tunde Kelani has mourned late Nollywood icon, Olu Jacobs, describing him as a foundational figure in Nigerian acting. GeographicReference

The death of Jacobs was announced on Wednesday by his son, Olusoji Jacobs.

In a post on X, Kelani recounted how he met Jacobs in 1978 as a student at the London Film School.
Kelani said he and fellow Nigerian students were working on their final year project, a diploma film titled Trying Times, adapted from Amadu Maddy’s novel No Past, No Present, No Future.

He disclosed that Jacobs, who was active at the Africa Centre in Covent Garden at the time, agreed to star in the project without requesting payment, except for meals during the three-day shoot.
“I first crossed paths with Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs—fondly known to many of us as Uncle Olu Jacobs—in 1978,” Kelani wrote.
“From that very first encounter, he left an indelible mark on me: a consummate, classically trained actor with a commanding presence, yet generous enough to lead our student production without asking for a fee—his only condition being that we provide him a meal across our three-day shoot.”

Read Also: Davido To Headline Three-Night ‘Oriadé’ Residency Concert In December

Kelani noted that having Jacobs’ performance captured on 16mm film remains a treasured memory.

He also praised Jacobs for leaving a thriving career in the United Kingdom to return to Nigeria and contribute to the growth of Nollywood at a time many conventional filmmakers dismissed analogue video production.
“It took extraordinary courage and vision for Uncle Olu to walk away from a flourishing career abroad,” Kelani said.

“He had already established an enviable reputation across the British stage, television, and international cinema—working on productions like Pirates under Roman Polanski—yet he chose to return home.”

“At a time when shooting on analogue video seemed absurd to conventional filmmakers, he embraced the nascent Nollywood movement.”
According to Kelani, no award could fully define the late actor’s impact on Nigerian cinema. GeographicReference

“Yet accolades alone cannot capture the magnitude of his legacy: Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs stands unequivocally as a founding patriarch of modern Nigerian screen performance,” he said.

The director added that Jacobs’ career exemplified dedication to the craft for younger generations.

President Bola Tinubu and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar are among prominent Nigerians who have paid tribute to the late actor since his death was announced.

Davido To Headline Three-Night ‘Oriadé’ Residency Concert In December

/by

Nigerian-American Afrobeats star Davido is set to headline a three-night residency at the newly remodelled National Theatre in Lagos this December. BookWalking Tours

The shows, scheduled for December 17 to 19, will mark the first live performance of his latest album, “Oriadé,” in Nigeria.

“LAGOS!!! We are bringing it HOME! 15 years of madness and there’s nowhere I’d rather be,” the singer wrote on X.

“ORIADÉ: The Residency comes to the National Theatre for 3 nights this December,” he added.

The 13-track project, released in July, features collaborations with Black Sherif, Mayorkun, FOLA, Leon Thomas, Aya Nakamura, Llona, NO11, JAZZWRLD and GL_Ceejay.
Davido is expected to perform songs from “Oriadé” alongside selections from his previous albums.

Read Also: Toyin Abraham: I Didn’t Reject APC Council List Because Of Trolls

The release coincides with the 15th anniversary of his music career.

The residency will feature new material alongside career-spanning hits, with special guests billed to appear each night.

The concerts are among the first major entertainment announcements for the ‘Detty December’ festive season, a period known for high economic activity and cultural events in the country.
The announcement was accompanied by a trailer and the release of the music video for his single, ‘On the Road’, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at Davido’s life, including his Coachella debut earlier this year.

For the five-time Grammy nominee, the homecoming holds special significance as a chance to reconnect with family, celebrate his roots, and perform for longtime fans.

Toyin Abraham: I Didn’t Reject APC Council List Because Of Trolls

/by

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham has explained that her decision to reject her reported inclusion in the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council was not influenced by online bullying.

Abraham made the clarification on X on Friday while responding to a comment suggesting that her decision could protect her from further attacks by social media critics.

The actress said her decision was based on the fact that she had not been consulted before her name appeared on the campaign council list. She also reiterated that she had previously stated that she was not interested in politics.

According to Abraham, she woke up to discover her name on a list she knew nothing about and therefore decided to distance herself from the reported appointment.

Her clarification followed her earlier statement on Instagram on Thursday after the Lagos APC campaign council list was released.

Read Also: BBNaija’s Cross: I Was Offered N500m And $200k To Sleep With A Man

Abraham had said she was not a member of any campaign council and asked the public to disregard the reported inclusion of her name in any campaign committee.

Her name had appeared under the Entertainment and Creative Economy Directorate alongside several entertainers, including Jide Kosoko, Eniola Badmus and Bimbo Akintola.

The directorate lists Toke Benson-Awoyinka as Director, Jide Kosoko as Co-Director and Eniola Badmus as Deputy Director.

The campaign council was unveiled ahead of its scheduled inauguration on September 18 at the APC Secretariat on ACME Road, Ikeja.

Despite Abraham’s public rejection of the reported inclusion, her name remained on the published campaign council document at the time of reporting.

BBNaija’s Cross: I Was Offered N500m And $200k To Sleep With A Man

/by

Former Big Brother Naija housemate Ikechukwu Okonkwo, popularly known as Cross, has revealed that he rejected financial offers running into hundreds of millions of naira and thousands of dollars from men who allegedly wanted to have sex with him.

Cross made the disclosure while reacting to a controversy involving fellow reality TV star Whitemoney and an alleged unwanted advance he reportedly received through social media.

Whitemoney had recently spoken about receiving an unsolicited message from a man who reportedly addressed him as “papi” while expressing romantic or sexual interest in him.

The incident generated reactions online, with Cross coming to Whitemoney’s defence and arguing that a man’s appearance, mannerisms or personality should not be used to determine his sexual orientation.

According to Cross, displaying what some people may describe as feminine traits does not necessarily mean that a man is attracted to other men.

While expressing his support for Whitemoney’s decision to speak about the alleged message, Cross disclosed that he had also received similar advances in the past.

The reality star claimed that he had been offered N500 million and $200,000 by men in exchange for sex but turned down the proposals.

Read Also: Nancy Isime: I’ll Never Discuss My Finances With A Man, Even My Husband

Cross said his decision was influenced by the values instilled in him during his upbringing, particularly the lesson that money and material possessions should not determine his choices.

He maintained that despite the substantial amounts allegedly offered to him, he could not be persuaded to compromise his personal values.

Cross further suggested that if he were to publicly share some of the messages he had received in his direct messages, they could generate significant reactions from social media users.

He criticised people who allegedly send inappropriate messages to others without considering whether such advances are welcome.

The reality star also acknowledged that different people within the entertainment industry and wider community may have varying lifestyles and preferences, but urged people to exercise caution and respect personal boundaries when communicating with others.

Cross’s comments came amid the wider social media discussion surrounding Whitemoney’s experience and the way people interpret gender expression and sexual orientation.

He maintained that assumptions about a person’s sexuality should not be based solely on their appearance, mannerisms or perceived energy.

His remarks have since added another dimension to the online conversation, with social media users reacting to his claims about the alleged financial offers and his defence of Whitemoney.

Nancy Isime: I’ll Never Discuss My Finances With A Man, Even My Husband

/by

Nollywood actress and media personality Nancy Isime has revealed that she would not discuss her finances with a man she is in a relationship with, including her husband.

Isime made the disclosure while speaking during an episode of the Thanks for Coming podcast, where she explained her personal approach to financial privacy in romantic relationships.

According to the actress, she does not believe there is a need to disclose how much she earns or how much money she has in her bank account to her partner.

Isime stressed that she would also not expect a man she is dating or married to to reveal details of his finances to her.

Read Also: ‘You’re Becoming A Nuisance’ – Nkechi Blessing Warns Phyna Over Online Fights

“I will never discuss three things: my money, my money, my money. I would never discuss how much I have in my account or earn with my man. For what? He shouldn’t discuss his either with me,” she said.

The media personality also revealed that she would never go through her partner’s phone, explaining that she does not consider it necessary.

Isime advised women who regularly check their partners’ phones to stop putting themselves under unnecessary pressure.

She encouraged them to avoid becoming overly concerned about monitoring their partners, stressing the importance of maintaining personal boundaries and peace of mind in relationships.

‘You’re Becoming A Nuisance’ – Nkechi Blessing Warns Phyna Over Online Fights

/by

Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday has cautioned reality TV star and former BBNaija winner Phyna over her frequent confrontations with people on social media.

The actress expressed concern about Phyna’s approach to disagreements online, suggesting that the reality star should be more measured in the way she addresses people whenever she uses social media.

Nkechi Blessing questioned why Phyna appears to repeatedly find herself involved in public arguments and exchanges with other individuals on the internet.

In a message directed at the reality TV star, the actress said Phyna’s manner of communicating online was becoming excessive and urged her to reconsider her approach.

“Phyna, must you fight with everybody on this internet space? You’re doing too much. Every time you come online, you talk to people anyhow. You’re becoming a nuisance here,” Nkechi Blessing said.

Read Also: Being A Woman In Nigerian Music Industry Is Not Easy – Skales

The actress further advised Phyna to relax and avoid engaging in every disagreement that emerges online.

According to her, learning to manage conflicts and choosing when to respond could help prevent unnecessary confrontations and public disputes.

Nkechi Blessing’s comments have added to ongoing conversations surrounding the conduct of public figures on social media, where disagreements can quickly attract widespread attention.

Phyna, who rose to prominence after winning the sixth season of the Big Brother Naija reality show, has remained active on social media and frequently interacts with her followers and critics.

Being A Woman In Nigerian Music Industry Is Not Easy – Skales

/by

Singer Skales has lauded his female colleagues, saying it is not easy to be a woman in the Nigerian music industry.

The ‘Shake Body’ crooner gave the commendation amid a viral podcast interview by female singer Fave, in which she highlighted the struggles of female artists in the music industry.

On his X handle on Thursday, Skales wrote, “Big up all the females in the entertainment industry … it isn’t easy being a woman in this industry … big up to y’all for real.”

Earlier, on the Afropolitan podcast, Fave claimed that it is more difficult for female artists to succeed in the music industry because they are judged not only by their talent but also by their sex appeal.

Read Also: Davido Reveals How Wizkid, Wande Coal Advised Him To Leave School For Music

She also claimed that she, Tems, and Ayra Starr changed the perception of female artists in the Afrobeats scene.

“When Tems, I, and Ayra Starr came into the scene, we came with different voices that were different from the very feminine voice people were used to. Before us, female artistes used to sing in a very feminine way,” she claimed.

Davido Reveals How Wizkid, Wande Coal Advised Him To Leave School For Music

/by

Famous singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has revealed that he consulted his colleagues, Wizkid and Wande Coal, in the early stages of his career on how to combine music with schooling.

Speaking in the Afrobeats Documentary, Davido revealed that the duo told him the only way he could leave school and focus on music was to achieve stardom.

The singer said he knew his father would not allow him to abandon his education for music, but after his song, ‘Dami Duro,’ became a hit, he could no longer continue schooling.

Read Also: Burna Boy To Headline Halftime Show At 2026 NFL Paris Game

“I asked Wizkid and Wande Coal how they left school to do music.

“They told me the only way was to blow up. I knew my dad wouldn’t allow me, but when ‘Dami Duro’ blew up, I couldn’t continue,” he said.

Davido later returned to school, juggling his studies with music after reaching an agreement with his father to go back to school in exchange for a recording studio and express permission to pursue his musical career.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Babcock University in 2015.

Burna Boy To Headline Halftime Show At 2026 NFL Paris Game

/by

The Grammy-winning Nigerian singer and songwriter, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, is set to take Afrobeats to another major international stage after being announced as the headline performer for the halftime show of the 2026 National Football League (NFL) Paris Game.
Burna Boy will perform at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis on Sunday, October 25, when the Pittsburgh Steelers face the New Orleans Saints in the NFL’s first regular-season game in France, it was reported.

The game, presented by American Express, will begin at 2:30 p.m. CEST (9:30 a.m. ET).

The performance will see Burna Boy return to the stadium where he made history in April 2025 as the first African artiste to headline a solo concert.
His April 18, 2025 concert sold out all 80,000 tickets at the Stade de France, according to the stadium.

Reacting to the NFL announcement, Burna Boy said returning to the venue for such a major occasion meant a lot to him.

“Paris gave me one of the biggest nights of my career, and to walk back into Stade de France for a moment like this means everything.

“The NFL is bringing something to France that has never happened here before, and I get to stand in the middle of it representing African music and I intend to give the people a show they will not forget,” he told Billboard.

The NFL’s senior director of global game presentation, music and entertainment, Tim Tubito, said Burna Boy was selected because of the importance of the league’s first regular-season game in France.

“The first NFL game in France deserves a halftime moment that matches the occasion, and there is no artist better suited to it than Burna Boy,” Tubito said.

He added that African music “sits right at the heart of what the city listens to”, while pointing to Burna Boy’s previous history at the Stade de France.

The Paris performance is one of seven halftime shows planned for the NFL’s 2026 International Games across seven countries and four continents.

Other performers announced include the Jonas Brothers for Melbourne, Pedro Sampaio and Ricky Martin for Rio de Janeiro, Ayra Starr for London, Cage The Elephant for Munich and The Warning for Mexico City.

Burna Boy has become one of the leading Nigerian artistes taking Afrobeats to major international stages.

He won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album in 2021 for Twice As Tall. He also performed at the UEFA Champions League Final Kick-Off Show in Istanbul in 2023 and the NBA All-Star Game the same year.

Read Also: Toyin Abraham Breaks Silence on Reports of Marital Crisis

He is scheduled to perform alongside Shakira at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including their collaboration, “Dai Dai.”

The NFL Paris Game is being staged in partnership with GL events, with support from the French Ministry of Sports.

Burna Boy’s full halftime performance will be broadcast live in France on France Télévisions and beIN Sports, while L’Équipe will air the game later in the evening.

No details have been announced about the setlist or whether Burna Boy will be joined by other performers.

It was reported that Burna Boy’s NFL appearance comes as other Nigerian artistes continue to feature at major international sporting events.Nigerian business directory

Ayra Starr is scheduled to headline the halftime show at the NFL London Game on October 11, 2026, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where the Philadelphia Eagles will face the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Davido performed at the 2022 FIFA World Cup closing ceremony in Qatar, while Tems performed at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Rema performed at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, while Yemi Alade featured at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.

Femi Kuti performed at the 2010 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in South Africa, while D’banj performed at the 2013 AFCON closing ceremony.

Kizz Daniel and Patoranking also performed at the FIFA World Cup 2022 Fan Festival in Qatar. Kizz Daniel performed his hit song “Buga”, while Patoranking entertained fans with his reggae-dancehall sound.

Wizkid has also appeared at major sports and entertainment events, including the inaugural World Tennis League in 2022 and Gamers8 in Saudi Arabia.

Fireboy DML performed at the BET Awards, while his song “Scatter” was selected for the official soundtrack of EA Sports FIFA 21.

Toyin Abraham Breaks Silence on Reports of Marital Crisis

/by

Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham has dismissed reports suggesting that her marriage to fellow actor Kolawole Ajeyemi is experiencing difficulties.

The actress reacted after a social media report alleged that she and her husband were no longer on good terms and that she had relocated from their matrimonial home to a newly completed property.

The claim was circulated on Instagram by blogger Fatitell Gist, who cited allegations previously made by another blogger, Bukky Jesse. The report claimed that tensions had developed between Abraham and Ajeyemi and that the actress had moved into a house she recently built.

According to the post, the alleged development had triggered fresh speculation about the state of the couple’s marriage.

Read Also: Hilda Baci Receives Governor Eno’s Commendation for Record-Breaking Feat

Abraham, however, responded directly in the comment section, rejecting the narrative and praying against anything that could result in separation between her and her husband.

Using a biblical expression, the actress prayed for herself, Ajeyemi and their marriage while making it clear that she did not accept the claims circulating online.

“Ako loruko baba, Omo ati emi mimo. Ori wa ko, eleda wa ko🙏🙏. I reject the narrative. We are not in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is not our destiny; it is not our creator,” she wrote.

Her response comes amid renewed public interest in the private lives of Nigerian celebrities, particularly when unverified claims about relationships circulate on social media.

Abraham and Ajeyemi have been married since 2019, following a private traditional wedding ceremony. The couple have a son, Ire.

The actress’s response appears to put her position on the latest marital speculation on record, while the couple have continued to keep much of their private family life away from public scrutiny.